BEARPLANE!

Cover of the children's book "Bearplane!" showing various bears on an airplane, with one holding a yellow paper airplane.

By Deborah Underwood, Pictures by Sam Wedelich
Penguin Young Readers, May 2022

Buckle up for a little bear's first flight in this adorable, light-as-air picture book by New York Timesbestselling author Deborah Underwood and critically acclaimed artist Sam Wedelich.

Follow a bear cub, their grownup, and their beloved stuffie Teddy as they make their way through the busy airport and cub's first plane ride. Their destination? A bear-y special family reunion with grandma! This cheerful, rhyming, reassuring go-to for little ones preparing for their first (or second or tenth) flight is a gentle adventure full of accessible bear puns and delightful touches, plus a detailed map of the bear-port on the endpapers.

★ "Underwood adds another meaningful picture book to her lineup as she dismantles the scariest aspects of airplane travel, making the process both accessible and fun. . . . There’s plenty of storytime potential as the adult bear addresses the bear cub with reassurances and advice . . Wedelich’s digital art complements the talent of Underwood’s writing as she captures the bear cub’s glossy-eyed excitement [and] a plethora of background details for viewers to indulge in . . . Read this book to alleviate some of the stress of travel." —BCCB (starred review)

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